Sachem East High School's Therapy Dog Runs for America's Favorite Pet

Lil' Bear, a Shih Tzu, is in the running to be named America's Favorite Pet, which would help fund the school's therapy dog program.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lil' Bear, a one-year-old Shih Tzu therapy dog at Sachem East High School in Farmingville, New York, is running for the title of America's Favorite Pet. The contest, hosted by Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy, would award the winner $10,000 and a feature on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine. Lil' Bear's handler, Nicole Koerber, a school counselor, entered the dog on a whim, and the district has rallied behind him. Winning the contest would allow the school to invest in advanced training, insurance, and materials for the therapy dog program, which has been a lifeline for students struggling with mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

The therapy dog program at Sachem East and Sachem North High Schools has been a valuable resource for students dealing with increased anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and mental health challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. Winning the America's Favorite Pet contest would provide much-needed funding to expand and enhance the program, which has had a significant positive impact on students' well-being.

The details

Lil' Bear, the Shih Tzu therapy dog, was brought to Sachem East High School by Nicole Koerber, a school counselor, and her colleague, Christine Launer, to help address the sharp rise in student mental health needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. The therapy dog program, which also includes the Goldendoodle sisters Bailey and Oakley at Sachem North High School, has been a quiet lifeline for students, providing comfort and easing anxiety in a way that often has the same impact as multiple counseling sessions.

  • The 7th annual America's Favorite Pet contest is hosted by Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy.
  • Voters have until 10 p.m. on March 5, 2026, to cast their ballots for the contest.

The players

Lil' Bear

A one-year-old Shih Tzu therapy dog at Sachem East High School in Farmingville, New York, who is running for the title of America's Favorite Pet.

Nicole Koerber

A school counselor at Sachem East High School and Lil' Bear's handler, who entered the dog in the America's Favorite Pet contest.

Christine Launer

A school counselor at Sachem North High School who, along with Nicole Koerber, proposed and built the therapy dog program at the Sachem schools.

Donnie Wahlberg

The host of the America's Favorite Pet contest, along with his wife, Jenny McCarthy.

Jenny McCarthy

The co-host of the America's Favorite Pet contest, along with her husband, Donnie Wahlberg.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lil' Bear may be small, but his mission and the district backing him are anything but.”

— Nicole Koerber, School Counselor, Sachem East High School (Patch.com)

“It was an extraordinary reminder that healing doesn't always start with words.”

— Nicole Koerber, School Counselor, Sachem East High School (Patch.com)

What’s next

Voters have until 10 p.m. on March 5, 2026, to cast their ballots for the America's Favorite Pet contest.

The takeaway

The therapy dog program at Sachem East and Sachem North High Schools has been a vital resource for students struggling with mental health challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Winning the America's Favorite Pet contest would provide much-needed funding to expand and enhance this impactful program, which has helped students feel safe, grounded, and supported.